Workers at Stellantis plants in Canada began casting ballots on a two-day strike authorization vote, as collective bargaining talks between the automaker and union Unifor remain stalled. The vote, which started Saturday, is set to continue Sunday, with Unifor expected to announce results on Monday.
Thousands of Unifor Local 444 members gathered at the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor to vote, in what Jonathan Klein, a Windsor Assembly Plant worker since 2014, described to CTV News as one of the highest turnouts he has seen. Unifor represents more than 9,000 Stellantis workers across Canada, including 6,400 at the Windsor Assembly Plant.
Dispute Centres on Brampton Plant
Negotiations have stalled largely over the future of Stellantis’ manufacturing footprint in Canada, particularly the idled Brampton Assembly Plant. Stellantis has confirmed plans to sell the Brampton facility to Canadian armoured vehicle maker Roshel. The plant has been idle since 2023, after more than 2,000 workers were laid off, and Stellantis later shifted production of the Jeep Compass from Brampton to a facility in Illinois.
Stellantis has said that market and trade conditions undermined the business case for keeping the Brampton plant running, but has said the planned sale could support future jobs at the site.
James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, said earlier this month that the union could not allow Stellantis to walk away from its commitments at the plant. He said allowing the company to break its word would put at risk commitments made to other workers, including those on the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant.
Union Says Strike Remains ‘Last Resort’
Unifor has said potential strike action remains its last resort, and that it still hopes to reach a negotiated deal with Stellantis. The strike vote follows Unifor reaching agreements with General Motors and Ford, with the union’s bargaining focus then turning to Stellantis.
Workers awaiting the vote outcome described the stakes in personal terms. Andrew Alford, who works the midnight shift at the Windsor plant alongside his brother Cameron, told CTV News the situation affects everyone’s livelihood, calling it “do or die.” Klein said he hoped the auto sector would remain in the region, adding that losing it would be a significant setback for workers.
The strike authorization vote does not necessarily mean a strike will occur; it would give the union a mandate to call one if it determines it is necessary during continued negotiations with Stellantis. Results of the two-day vote are expected to be announced by Unifor on Monday.
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